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Ruiz getting hotter as weather cools

Ruiz getting hotter as weather cools

9/17/13: Carlos Ruiz lines a base hit up the middle, plating a pair of Phillies and extending their lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third

By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

PHILADELPHIA -- Carlos Ruiz has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball the past two months.

He entered Wednesday's series finale against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, when he caught and hit fourth, with an .896 OPS since July 29, which ranks 22nd out of 171 qualifying hitters in the Majors. He is hitting .556 (15-for-26) with six doubles and 21 RBIs with runners in scoring position since Aug. 8, which is the best mark in baseball in that stretch.

"I think he's just confident," Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I think he's confident with where he's at and he's swinging a hot bat. He just continues to come up with guys on base and right now, that's his knack and what he's hot doing. He continues to have his opportunities and he's the right guy up there in those situations."

Ruiz went 0-for-4 with a walk in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins in 10 innings.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.